'New York Times' Packing For Futuristic New HQ
This week in "Ahead of the Times," the high school newspaper-style New York Times internal fun-sheet, we learn that packing up for the new headquarters has begun. Also, the new cafeteria—opening in April with an espresso cafe!—will be WiFi-rific but cash-free. It's the future! No money allowed! So Bill Keller is personally going around injecting debit chips in everybody's necks.
Orange Crates, and Vanishing Change By KATHLEEN McELROY
The crates, which are stackable, are 16 by 25 inches at the top, and taper to 15 by 23.5 at the bottom. They will be used for files, books, staplers and darn near everything else except computers and the like. But remember you can't be reimbursed if truly personal items like stuffed animals are lost or damaged in the move. The lids are connected and interlock when closed.
Those who sit at a workstation get six crates, those in offices get 16. Work directly with your move co-ordinator for exceptions, pleas, bribes and other considerations. Co-ordinators will be receiving information soon about the crates, and will be ensuring that each crate is properly labeled and delivered.
In other news, no change will be a big change at the cafeteria in the new building.
It will be "cashless." Everyone pays with something like the laundry cards many apartment buildings use, or perhaps credit cards. Those still laundering in the 20th century will have to get their quarters elsewhere.
The cafeteria will have 250 seats, about the same number as 43rd Street, but it looks more spacious because of its dining balcony (and one corner of the downstairs seating has a slither view of the Empire State Building). Restaurant Associates plans to open the cafeteria when the first staffers relocate in April, with limited service at the espresso cafe. It also supports WiFi.
Incidentally, the cafeteria is for Times employees and the tenants of the few floors The Times is leasing; other workers in the tower will not have access.